Urgent.. The emirates issues clarification regarding the Self-employment visa for residents
The emirates issues clarification regarding the Self-employment visa for residents, If I apply for a freelancing visa in the UAE, are there any avenues available to me via which my family might be sponsored?
Following your inquiries, it has been determined that you are currently resident in the emirate of Dubai, and that you are interested in obtaining a freelancing visa in the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, the requirements of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relations are applicable in this situation.
A work permit for independent contracting can be acquired by an individual in the UAE. This is in accordance with the provisions set forth in Article 6(1)(l) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which reads as follows: "Subject to the terms of Article 6 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, the types of work permit shall be decided as follows:
l. Freelance permit: This permit is issued to individuals who wish to engage in independent self-employment (without being sponsored by a particular organisation or employer in the State and without the condition of having a valid employment contract, whereby a natural person earns money by providing services for a specific period or performing a task or providing a specific service, whether to individuals or establishments, while this natural person is in no way a worker.) .
In addition to this, the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 includes in its Article 8 the following:
1) A freelance arrangement of work is an independent and flexible form of employment in which a natural person generates income by providing services for a specified period of time or performing a task or providing a specific service, whether for individuals or establishments, but in no way is this natural person an employee for those individuals or establishments.
2) The Cabinet shall, on the basis of the Minister's proposal, issue the necessary resolutions for determining the procedures, rules, and mechanisms for registering freelancers in the Ministry's systems and for obtaining, renewing, and cancelling the work permit, in a manner that ensures the enhancement of the labour market's flexibility and its requirements.
Conditions for obtaining a self-employment visa
According to the aforementioned provision of the law, in order to acquire a Self-employment work permit or a Self-employment licence in the emirate of Dubai, you should make contact with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism or free zone authorities in the emirate of Dubai, both of which are responsible for issuing freelance licences to individuals who fall under specific categories of activities or professions. Only then will you be eligible to apply for the permit or licence. Only if you already possess a freelance work permit or a freelance licence that has been issued by a relevant authority in Dubai will you be able to apply for a freelance visa.
Furthermore, in order to sponsor the visas of your immediate family members, you should follow the regular procedure, This procedure includes requirements such as providing documentary evidence (primarily an employment contract or income statement) that your salary or income is not less than Dh4,000 without accommodation and Dh3,000 with accommodation, as well as a marriage certificate that has been notarized and legalised, as well as a tenancy contract (with Ejari).
Contacting the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, if you are residing in the emirate of Dubai, or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, if you are residing in one of the other emirates of the United Arab Emirates, can provide you with further clarifications regarding this topic.
